Radio/PC Interfaces

There are many brands of interface available to connect a PC to an amateur radio transceiver. Often home-brew interfaces are used. They all do essentially the same thing. They key the radio to transmit, pass a signal based on the mode of operation from the PC to the radio, then un-key to go back into receive mode. Some automatically bypass the microphone during transmission but allow the operator to override the computer simply by keying the mike. Links to suppliers of some interfaces are below. They generally work with any PC soundcard based software, digital or analogue.

SignaLink from Tigertronics. Two models available, one that used the computer soundcard and DB9 connection, the second has a built in soundcard and connects via USB

W9KFB PSK Software, Interface, and cable specifically designed for operation with HamStationUltra software and a Kenwood TS-2000/TS-B2000 transceiver for a one stop PSK solution.

VA3TO linking interface. Operates under EchoLink software and doubles as a soundcard interface for various digital modes.

Home Brewing

Interfaces can be fairly simple and thus are easily home brewed. Here are 2 schematics. The first one is for PCs with a serial port being used for PTT, the second one for an Asus Eee netbook. It uses a VOX circuit for PTT.

Tips for using interfaces

Using the signalink USB with and ACER Aspire ONE for WSPR and MMSSTV / MMVARI File:Signalink.pdf